FOX or FALCON

[Fabricio]

Hey everyone, I’m trying to decide between two lift setups for my 2024 Gladiator Willys and would really appreciate some opinions. I’m planning to run 33s and I’m currently deciding between the BDS 2” lift with FOX 2.0 shocks and the TeraFlex 2.5” Trail Select Sport with Falcon 1.1 shocks. The Jeep will mainly be daily driven with some off-roading, and I’m looking for a good balance of ride quality, handling, durability, and a proportional stance. I noticed the BDS uses replacement coils front and rear, while the TeraFlex uses rear spacers, so I’m curious if anyone has experience with either setup and which one you would personally choose. Would love to hear any pros/cons, especially from anyone running 33s with either of these lifts, and pictures would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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[shooterrex]

I am running 33's with no lift. I will install 1.5 in spacers in the front to level the truck out when I get to feeling better.
Max tow w 4.10 gears.

 

[Gvsukids]

BDS 2” lift with FOX 2.0 shocks

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/cant-decide-on-2-or-3-lifts.68755/

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/goodbye-2-0-fox-hello-bds-nx2-shocks.72707/

 

[Fabricio]

Would you recommend going up to 35s, or do you think 33s are the better choice? I’m planning on lifting mine 2–2.5” and mostly daily driving with some off-roading. Would I need to re-gear my truck for the 35s?

 

[BourbonRunner]

Would you recommend going up to 35s, or do you think 33s are the better choice? I’m planning on lifting mine 2–2.5” and mostly daily driving with some off-roading. Would I need to re-gear my truck for the 35s?

If you're doing 35's on the factory 3.73 rear end you're going to want to re-gear to either 4.56 or 4.88.

33's on the factory 3.73s are fine.

 

[HydroEcoJT]

Don’t waste your money on the Falcon shocks. They ride terribly and don’t last very long. The Fox 2.0 is a much smoother shock and seems to last a lot longer. We frequently replace the Falcons with the Fox setups.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

Let me play Devil’s Advocate here and tell you if you’re going 2-2.5” take a look at the Fox 2.5 HTO. Higher quality shock with a bigger tube and maybe a little more advancement in shock technology. Good compromise between daily driving and off-roading type shock. Slightly higher grade than either of the 2 you mentioned, in my opinion. Then just do either kit without shocks that meets your weight requirement as far as springs go. I think the TeraFlex is the better choice based on what I’ve read but do your own research and figure out which one meets your needs better. If the kits don’t allow you to order without shocks, keep them in the box and in 50-60k when you feel the need to rebuild you have an extra set that won’t put the vehicle down while you do it.

 

[Gvsukids]

Would you recommend going up to 35s, or do you think 33s are the better choice? I’m planning on lifting mine 2–2.5” and mostly daily driving with some off-roading. Would I need to re-gear my truck for the 35s?

What off-roading are you doing? I've survived on 33s on Michigan and stock height for 6 years. Only recently went to 35s when we went on the badge trails of Colorado.

 

[Fabricio]

Let me play Devil’s Advocate here and tell you if you’re going 2-2.5” take a look at the Fox 2.5 HTO. Higher quality shock with a bigger tube and maybe a little more advancement in shock technology. Good compromise between daily driving and off-roading type shock. Slightly higher grade than either of the 2 you mentioned, in my opinion. Then just do either kit without shocks that meets your weight requirement as far as springs go. I think the TeraFlex is the better choice based on what I’ve read but do your own research and figure out which one meets your needs better. If the kits don’t allow you to order without shocks, keep them in the box and in 50-60k when you feel the need to rebuild you have an extra set that won’t put the vehicle down while you do it.

Thank you for the info ill definitely take a look at those that you mentioned.

 

[Fabricio]

What off-roading are you doing? I've survived on 33s on Michigan and stock height for 6 years. Only recently went to 35s when we went on the badge trails of Colorado.

Right now mostly on sand and some mudding but i would like to do bigger trails later in the future.

 

[JeepinPete]

Fox 2.0 shocks just aren't particularly durable, certainly not for the price. Rancho RS7 series monotube shocks ride every bit as good and are quite a bit cheaper.

 

[Gvsukids]

Rancho RS7 series monotube shocks ride every bit as good and are quite a bit cheaper.

Are these new? Previously, I had Rancho adjustable shocks that didn't last and was encouraged to install Bilstein 5100 over Fox. I might have liked these.

 

[bleda2002]

My fox 2.0s lasted nearly 60k miles and were excellent shocks that gave a fairly plush ride while still being controlled. I just switched them for bilstein 5160s which are just a tiny bit stiffer than the foxes, but they're steel bodies

 

[JeepinPete]

Are these new? Previously, I had Rancho adjustable shocks that didn't last and was encouraged to install Bilstein 5100 over Fox. I might have liked these.

Don't know when they came out, but its been a couple years. Rockauto has the 1st gen (silver bodied) on clearance. They must of taken all the old stock, the shocks have been on clearance for well over a year now.

 

[willys 41]

Don’t waste your money on the Falcon shocks. They ride terribly and don’t last very long. The Fox 2.0 is a much smoother shock and seems to last a lot longer. We frequently replace the Falcons with the Fox setups.

I agree. I have tried many shocks and have fox 2.5 on my Willys and fox 2.0 on my Rubicon.

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